PMAN Govt Council upholds Fairly Okafor’s suspension

The Nationwide Govt Council (NEC) of the Performing Musicians Employers Affiliation of Nigeria (PMAN) has issued a brand new directive concerning suspending its president, veteran singer Fairly Okafor.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that PMAN’s Nationwide Working Committee (NWC) suspended Mr Okafor over a number of violations of the organisation’s structure, monetary misappropriation, and different offences.

Nevertheless, throughout his look on TVC, Mr Okafor dismissed PMAN’s NWC allegations in opposition to him, noting that they had been motivated by greed and selfishness.

In a current improvement, NEC confirmed the upholding of Mr Okafor’s suspension in an announcement despatched to this newspaper on Monday.

The assertion partly learn: “The NEC directs the Nationwide Working Committee (NWC) to take care of the established order concerning the suspension of Mr Fairly Okafor and the Chapter Governors/Sole Directors. The NWC ought to take no additional actions regarding these suspensions till the PMAN Structure conducts a full listening to. This resolution ensures equity and adherence to due course of.

“By Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN Structure, the NEC has resolved to nominate a Nationwide Disciplinary Committee (NDC) consisting of a Chairman and 4 (4) different members. The NDC is remitted to analyze the allegations of misconduct and breaches of the Structure or Code of Conduct by Mr Fairly Okafor and the Chapter Governors/Sole Directors, as referred to by the NWC.”

Disciplinary committee

Moreover, NEC introduced the formation of a Nationwide Disciplinary Committee (NDC) to analyze the allegations that resulted in Mr Okafor’s suspension.

In accordance with NEC, the five-member disciplinary committee would guarantee a complete and unbiased evaluation of the allegations and uphold ideas of equity and integrity all through the proceedings.

“The NEC acknowledges the structure of the Nationwide Disciplinary Committee (NDC) to handle the allegations of misconduct levelled in opposition to Mr Fairly Okafor and the suspended Chapter Governors/Sole Directors. The members of the NDC have been rigorously chosen to make sure a good and neutral evaluation course of by Article 13 (C) (ii) of the PMAN Structure.

“The committee consists of the next people: Chairman: Comrade Chuku Uchena James (Ebonyi State); Member: Comrade Aralola Olamuyiwa (Lagos State) —Member: Comrade Jack Sydney Asuwani (Abuja FCT), Member: Comrade Girl Golda C Njimbeako Alexander (Imo State) and Member: Comrade Robert Udende (Benue State)”, the assertion famous.

The NEC additional acknowledged that the NDC would have the authority, as outlined within the PMAN Structure, to summon any affiliation member for questioning concerning allegations of misconduct or violations of the Structure or Code of Conduct.

Furthermore, the NEC emphasised that the disciplinary committee would rigorously contemplate any statements or proof supplied by the member with the allegations and completely evaluation all pertinent paperwork.

Extra so, NDC would conduct interviews with the complainant, the member, and their respective witnesses—making certain adherence to the ideas of pure justice and in the end submitting acceptable suggestions to the NWC

Okafor’s return

Moreover, NEC requested that Mr Okafor return to Nigeria to current a complete defence in opposition to the allegations levelled in opposition to him earlier than the disciplinary committee.

Whereas commending the NWC’s efforts to guard the affiliation’s integrity, NEC pressured the significance of making certain that each one choices are made strictly with due course of and equity.

The NEC urged all members to take care of their composure and unity as they navigate difficult occasions and attempt to enhance our cherished affiliation.

“The NDC will permit Mr Okafor to current all related proof and make clear his actions to the committee. The NEC resolves to take care of transparency and unity inside PMAN. Transferring ahead, the NEC will actively oversee vital issues to forestall any lapses in communication or decision-making that would hurt the affiliation’s status.

“The NEC instructs the NWC to problem a press launch instantly throughout all platforms and media channels initially used to announce the suspension of Mr Fairly Okafor and the affected Chapter Governors/Sole Directors. This step is important to mitigate additional harm to the affiliation’s public picture and guarantee members and stakeholders of our dedication to a good and simply decision.”

Guilt discovering

The NEC additional acknowledged that the suspension of any member, together with the President, should observe a responsible discovering by the disciplinary committee, as outlined in Article 18 (A) of the PMAN Structure.

“The NEC notes that no such committee had been duly appointed to handle the allegations in opposition to Mr. Fairly Okafor, rendering the suspension procedurally improper.

“The NEC reiterates that, below Article 18 (D) of the PMAN Structure, a member shall not be fined, suspended, or expelled from the affiliation with out being given an inexpensive alternative to be heard in individual. The NEC is dedicated to upholding due course of and making certain that each one actions taken are honest and simply.”

PMAN was based in 1984 by the late singers Christy Essien-Igbokwe and Sunny Okosun to information, shield and promote the pursuits of musicians in Nigeria.

Mr Okafor grew to become PMAN President in October 2016 and was re-elected in October 2023.